DESTROYED FROM WITHIN
A recent letter to the paper mentioned an old Bob Dylan song expressing “times are changing.” I say, yes, they surely are now, but I wouldn’t say for the better, unfortunately, when it comes to our religious freedoms.
I also remember a previous Russian leader, Nikita Khrushchev, predicting they would not have to destroy us by using missiles, but rather the U.S. would be destroyed from within.
I believe this is now occurring in our beloved country.
Christians are being called bigots and homophobes for supporting Biblical teachings on homosexuality and marriage.
Our complacency has allowed radical homosexuals to push their agenda through the media, Obama administration, and schools. Now, a recent letter to the editor suggests that those of opposing views should not be permitted to have their letters accepted on this issue.
We should not have to accept this distorted view of sexuality which violates our consciences, and further helps to undermine our families and country.
Eric Reardon
rural Findlay

WE’RE LOSING MANY OF OUR RIGHTS
Upon reading John Cecil’s letter (May 7), I am compelled to answer.
I believe homosexuality is a sin. I also believe everyone has sinned, even a lie is sin. I know gays, am even related to some, I love them. But just because they are nice people doesn’t mean their lifestyle is right. I could not vote for an issue giving gays the right to marry, knowing in my heart I would be telling them it’s OK to sin.
Just as I didn’t agree with what Donald Sterling, the Clippers owner, said, I believe he had the right to say those things and should never been punished because of his views.
I don’t like that some people think that being gay is normal, that killing an unborn baby is fine because it’s your body, the color of one’s skin makes them inferior or superior, or owning a gun is bad.
However, it’s a person’s right to say and believe whatever they wish.
Personally, I want to know what other people think on certain issues. I tend to avoid those I disagree with.
I hope The Courier never censors the Readers’ Views no matter how narrow-minded or prejudiced they may seem.
The left-wing liberals want people like me to be quiet. They want everyone to conform to their way of thinking. Because of the liberals’ narrow-mindedness, we are losing many of our rights as Americans.
Do not allow them to take our freedom of speech away.
Jeanne Eisentrager
Findlay

JUST FOLLOW TWO COMMANDMENTS
It is a sad thing when people call truth “hate,” and call lies “truth.” Another sad thing is that I can see where they’re coming from. Paul spoke of “false teachers” in his letters. So, they have always existed.
I remember reading in one of Ann Landers’ columns about a child that became very distrustful of Christians just by observing the people in the church that her family attended.
Everyone was very loving and smiling in church. It was after they got in their cars to go home or got together with close friends that the gossip and hurtful remarks started.
The girl became so distrustful of the people in their church, she was afraid to say anything for fear her words would be misunderstood, her clothing would be made fun of, etc.
You see, there are “cliques” not only in school, the workplace, neighborhoods, but sadly in our churches. Because of this, children as well as adults will feel left out of the “in” group, and they will become more focused on trying to become one of the “in’s” instead of staying focused on Christ.
There have been some atrocious acts committed by what I call “so-called” Christians, claiming that God told them to do it. The God I know and trust does not operate that way.
He is a God of love, and he calls for us to be like him.
What God does hate is sin itself, not the person.
It is also true that some churches and some denominations write a lot of add-ons to their rule book instead of simply following the two that Jesus gave when he condensed the Ten Commandments. They are: Love God with your entire being, and love your neighbor as yourself.
If you succeed with those two, you will have your hands full.
Barbara J. Rice
Fostoria

HITE NAVIGATING WATER QUALITY
In April, Senate Bill 150 was approved by the Legislature, which will require one farmer per farm operation to be certified to apply commercial fertilizer.
This bill went through multiple drafts and changes before it was approved, and it is thanks in part to the work of Sen. Cliff Hite that the final version of the bill is not overly burdensome to Ohio soybean farmers.
Sen. Hite understands the pressure and demands on Ohio’s family farmers, while also acknowledging the concerns that farmers and all citizens have with regards to the quality of our lakes and streams.
Additionally, ongoing farmer-funded research to understand how phosphorus is leaving farm fields, and implementing best management practices, will help us find long-term, science-based solutions.
There doesn’t have to be a choice between environmental quality and food production. We can achieve both.
Jerry Bambauer
Auglaize County farmer
Ohio Soybean Association president

SENATOR EXPLAINED HIS OPPOSITION
While I still believe Hite is not right for educators, I applaud his phone call to me concerning my last letter (May 8).
I appreciate that he explained he is opposed to the current version of Senate Bill 229, and that is not what was intended in the original bill.
Please read the SB 229 and decide for yourself, and contact your House members.
Heather Hunt
Findlay